ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Transportation, in collaboration with We Are Teachers, a leading national educational media organization, is launching a new statewide video contest to engage students in the fight against distracted driving.

The Every Second Counts Video Contest invites Georgia residents between ages 13-18 as of Aug. 1 who are currently enrolled in public, private or home school programs in Georgia to create short, impactful public service announcements emphasizing how even a few seconds of distraction behind the wheel can lead to dangerous or deadly consequences. The campaign empowers students to speak directly to their peers and community through creative storytelling and video production.

“We know that young people can be some of the most powerful advocates for change,” said Russell R. McMurry, Georgia DOT Commissioner. “This contest gives them the tools and the platform to raise awareness and make a real difference in how their friends and families think about driving. We’re so pleased that Keep Georgia Safe has been embraced by teachers, students, and parents across the state and we’re excited to see the creativity of Georgia’s students in helping spread the word about the dangers of distracted driving.”

Students are encouraged to submit their videos by June 8, through the official contest webpage: weareteachers.com/hub/every-second-counts-video-contest.

To help students create strong entries, Georgia DOT and We Are Teachers have developed a contest toolkit, which includes: a tip sheet for crafting a compelling message; a blank storyboard to plan out ideas; and a fact sheet with distracted driving statistics.

Exciting prizes await the creators of the winning videos, which will not only be showcased on the Georgia DOT website but will also be utilized in future outreach initiatives. First place is a $500 gift card, while second place receives a $400 gift card and the third place winner gets a $300 gift card. Additionally, five honorable mention winners receive $250 gift cards.

One lucky teacher will receive a $500 gift card just for sharing the program with students. 

The contest is part of the broader Keep Georgia Safe program, which launched last year to bring road safety education to K–12 classrooms across the state. Through interactive games, lesson plans, virtual field trips and printable resources, the program is helping build a culture of safety for the next generation.

“This is a meaningful opportunity for students to get involved in something that directly impacts their lives,” said Hannah Hudson, editorial director at We Are Teachers. “We’re excited to see their creativity and passion shine through in the entries.”

For more details and to access the full contest toolkit, visit
weareteachers.com/hub/every-second-counts-video-contest.